Using LEDS on gauges ????

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Guys,

I'm thinking of using leds like this... for my gauges... I'll probably use the replacement type as well.

I have a white F600 panel with the stock black face gauges...
I was thinking of drilling small holes on the sides of the gauges, so just the light tips would stick just inside the hole, but still not be seen from the front because of the embossed ring around the gauges, making them look like round gauges.
I'd like to use blue leds.. perhaps 6-7 spaced around the speedo and 3-4 around the 4 smaller gauges.
I was wondering how to wire them up and make them work... each led has 2 leads..
I 'm guessing one is positive and the other is ground...
Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated...

KaptnKA S

[rjewkes]

looks like a lot of soldering.

[seattle67]

This link might help you out kaptn.

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/LED.htm

[fordman]

leds are pretty bright. 6 or 7 might be too many. i would start with two or three at the most and put them at 11 o clock 2 o clock and 6 o clock. as far as wiring them. all elecricity flows liek water. it takes the easiest path to flow. lights are a flow through circut. they power flow through them and then back out. so the wiring of them wont matter i dotn think as to positive and negative. but it miohgt. the package they come in should say something if it does matter. which way they are wiried.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey seattle67,

Thanks for the link. I copied and pasted this from it.

"The LED has two leads and they have to be wired in a specific way. The two leads are called: a or + for anode and k or - for cathode (yes, it really is k, not c, for cathode). "

There also has to be resister wired into each light.

Another idea I came up with is to drill a couple more holes the size of the standard light socket...
I have a couple of the sockets, that I could just splice into the existing circuits and add twice as many stock size leds...
this might be the easiest way to go.

KaptnKA S

[fordman]

i didnt know they had to have resistors for them to work.

[Jay's67F100]

Check out this website, they sell LED bulbs that plug in the standard sockets.

http://www.superlumination.com/

[MotorDog]

It sounds like you are making a great big project out of a simple one to me. I changed my F-600 Cluster to 6 point led bulbs that simply replace the original bulbs. Twist out the old bulb and twist in a new 6 point led bulb.....and it's done! I got the Blue/white leds that seem to look like the HID stuff. The dash lettering glows a pretty blue/white and the black of the gauges seems to be a velvety looking deep black. I really like the look. The bulbs are a little pricey but worth the increased brightness and the unique look. Oh, and yes, the dimmer on the light switch works perfectly with these leds! No Drilling, guessing, etc. Just change the old bulbs for the new......

[Doug F]

Motordog, where did you get yours? I agree with the simplicity.

My ex-gf had a 2001 VW Jetta and I have always wanted the Cobalt Blue with Red needle look, now I can make it myself.

Thanks!

[1967AceStroker]

I found this link, 5 colors, $5.00 a pop.
http://www.whitegauges.net/categories/D ... -point%29/

[MotorDog]

Yep! It's WhiteGauges.net just like the link up above. They are located in Salt Lake City, UT. close to me. They have a great assortment of led lighting for dash lights, tail lights, etc. Great guys to do business with! Get on their web site, grab their phone number and chat with them. Yes, it will end up a little pricey, but they virtually never burn out and the effect is Great!

[sport71]

those lights are cool..

[Doug F]

Post pics of them lit up... I'd love to see them!

[SteveC]

really old picture before i went with the f600 panel

[Doug F]

Ahhh yes, old gauges! Will take some time getting used to again! You just used replacement bulbs in LED? Looks sharp!